ON FRIDAY WATCH THE KADESH CHURCH JULY 5 DISTRICT CHOIR CELEBRATION VIDEOS HERE
CHOWAN ARTS COUNCIL KICKS OFF JULY 4 WEEK
Mary Small Steps Down as CAC Board President
Edenton’s 250 July 4 celebration began on Tuesday, June 30 at the Chowan Arts Council Independence Day ‘Kick Off’ party to celebrate the upcoming holiday weekend. The Michael Clark band rocked the waterfront playing from the CAC side courtyard.
Along with welcoming friends, artists, CAC board members and supporters, the evening struck a changing of the guard note as CAC President Mary Small is stepping aside, making way for CAC Vice President Frazer Kelly to fill the president’s position.
The Board presented Mary with one of her favorite pieces from the gallery painted by Michael Lane.
While the artwork hanging on the walls of the gallery brought smiles, the notes hanging above the crowd on the warm summer night got feet moving.
The gathering enjoyed the well know Virginia based Michael Clark Band. The Michael Clark Band has been a staple of the Hampton Roads music scene for over 30 years. The band playeda variety of music throughout the night.
The art of fire dancing was on display throughout the evening, sparking conversations about safety.
DAR, AMERICAN DOLLS CREATE FASHION LOOK TO THE PAST
Library Window Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary One Stitch at a Time
As Edenton joins communities across the nation in celebrating America's 250th anniversary, visitors strolling past Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library are discovering a patriotic scene that has become one of the summer's most delightful surprises.
Behind one of the library's large historic windows, Betsy Ross carefully stitches the nation's first flag while General George Washington stands nearby inspecting the work. Around them, children watch the moment unfold inside "The Ross Shop," complete with a colonial sewing table, bolts of fabric, period furnishings, tea service, handcrafted accessories, and even a curious white cat resting nearby.
The display is not a museum exhibit, but rather an imaginative recreation created by Library Assistant Erica Newman using her collection of American Girl dolls and a team of local volunteers.
"Since becoming a part of the library team this time last year, I knew I wanted to incorporate my American Girl dolls into historical displays," Newman said. "This Betsy Ross display is the fourth one we've created this year using them, and it has quickly become one of my favorites."
The display was designed especially for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration.
"We came up with the idea of recreating Betsy Ross sewing our country's first flag while George Washington looks on," Newman explained. "What better way to celebrate America's 250th than by honoring the creation of our first flag?"
Every detail rewards a closer look.
The tiny sewing worktable is covered with colonial fabrics, thread, scissors, buttons and ribbon. Nearby, a miniature tea table is set with delicate blue-and-white china beside fresh bread, grapes and pastries. Shelves are filled with carefully selected period items, while colonial-era notices decorate the walls behind the dolls. Even the shop sign—"The Ross Shop"—helps transport visitors back to Revolutionary America.
The display also reflects the diversity of the colonies, with children gathered together as witnesses to one of America's most recognizable patriotic traditions.
Newman said the project quickly became a community effort.
Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution—Reva Hinson, Anne Rowe, Lisa Laws, Christy Hinson and Bonnie Henn—partnered with the library in developing the display. The group will also perform a Betsy Ross skit during the library's Colonial Festival in September.
Helen's Alterations donated both time and craftsmanship by creating George Washington's detailed colonial uniform, while Lucas Belton of Rustic Reclaimed painted the colonial cabinet that anchors the scene.
"We truly appreciate all of the time, talent and hard work that everyone contributed to help bring this display to life," Newman said. "We hope the community enjoys it as much as we enjoyed creating it."
The display can be viewed through the library's large garden-side windows, allowing visitors to enjoy it at any time while walking through the recently renovated garden area. Library staff plans to leave the exhibit in place through September so residents and visitors alike can experience this unique tribute to America's founding during Edenton's yearlong celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary.